The Problem:

Nationality laws in 27 countries worldwide prevent mothers from passing their nationality to their children on an equal basis with fathers. Over 60 countries deny female citizens equal rights with male citizens in their ability to acquire, change and retain their nationality, and to confer nationality to non-national spouses.

This discrimination results in significant human rights violations and suffering for individuals and families, contributing to a myriad of problems, including: statelessness; lack of access to public education, health care and other services; child marriage; increased risk of gender-based violence; unemployment and poverty.

These laws are also in contradiction to state commitments to a number of international conventions, including the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) and the Beijing Platform for Action.

During our March 12th event, leading activists and scholars will discuss the costs of these damaging laws, lessons learned from successful advocacy efforts, and the path to achieving equal nationality rights for women and men. We hope you will join us for this important discussion.

Equal nationality rights for equal citizens, women and men.

TO RSVP OR LEARN MORE ABOUT THE CAMPAIGN PLEASE CONTACT: Catherine Harrington at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

The Global Campaign for Equal Nationality Rights is a coalition of international and national organizations that promotes gender equality in nationality laws, so that women and men can confer, acquire, change and retain their nationality on an equal basis. The Campaign includes a Steering Committee of Equality Now, Equal Rights Trust, the Institute on Statelessness and Inclusion, UNHCR, UN Women and Women’s Refugee Commission.